Still busyish, but managed to find the time to brunch
Well, I managed to pay my taxes. The on-line system finally got itself together and let me make my advance donation to the Italian government. At least I won’t have to pay any fine. Now all I need is for someone to get round to paying me. Oh well, such is self-employed life.
At least last weekend I managed to get (lots of ‘gets’ in this post…) on down to the 442 for a full English brunch last Saturday, and it was good. I really had forgotten just how much I missed this tasty plate of unhealthy goodness.
On Sunday we went out with a group of our son’s school friends’ parents, and assorted kids for, wait for it. Yep, another ‘brunch’, except this time the brunch in question was nothing like the English breakfast, nor was it one of these imitation American brunches either. It was more like a buffet, in fact it was a buffet. Although only a brunch by name, it was not at all bad, but at €22 a head for growed-ups and €12 per little one, it was not exactly cheap.
The venue was the UTZ (info in Italian) restaurant in Via Solferino, which is slap bang in the middle of the posh, and pricey, part of Milan. Despite the highish price, I’d still recommend checking out this brunchy sort of meal. The buffet was excellent, and worthy of particular note was the asparagus mousse I tried, which was delicious. The best, as they say, was yet to come, for there was also a dessert buffet, and boy was it good. About ten different puddings to tuck into, and this being a buffet, it was OK to go for seconds, which I did. Diet on hold. Well, it was the weekend.
If you do decide to wander on over there, then try to book a table downstairs. This area is very attractive, it being a converted cellar, and you will be a couple of steps away from the buffets. This means that you can stuff yourself to your heart’s content. Oh, and there is also an area where you can leave the little ones, who will be looked after and kept occupied, thus enabling mum and dad to have a moment’s peace. In all, not a bad place.
Other things to report? Not really, apart from the continuing sausage saga. I now appear to have a regular Wednesday afternoon appointment to supervise sausage production, although I don’t really think I need to be there. However, I have noticed that the, very nice, chap who has been assigned to banger making has a tendency to make the said sausages a little bit on the long side, so my presence is required to curb his enthusiasm. I think he thinks he’s making Italian bangers, which are a little longer than the British variety. I dare say I shall manage to overcome this slight hiccup.
And guess what everyone is going to get for Christmas from me? Yep, that’s right, a kilo or so of finest English-style bangers! Although the portions of sausages will be presented in a festive fashion - read mini-hamper. Can’t wait to see the reactions.
Exclusive! Full English Breakfast in Milan, Italy!
Yes, it’s finally here! As you can see from the (not wonderful) camera phone shot I took this very evening, the full English breakfast down at the 442 pub here in wet old Milan is about to go live!
Tomorrow, from midday on, this scrumptious brekkie will be ready to be ordered and eaten. And you can pick up a plate of these goodies from noon until two in the morning on both Saturday, tomorrow and Sunday. This probably means that this will be the longest English style breakfast ever! And I will be down there with my wee one, and we shall be tucking in.
Tonight’s trial run was tried and tasted by Chris, all round good bloke, and English 442 regular. His verdict: ‘It’s the best full English breakfast I’ve had outside the UK!‘ - High praise indeed and I agreed with him. Wonderful!
Finally an ex-pat can find a decent breakfast that is a wee bit more substantial, and enticing, than the cappuccino and cake that is the usual offering here. Cholesterol overload, here I come.
The cost of this extravaganza? A mere 10 Euros, and this special offer price, includes coffee, tea, and toast. After Xmas you will still get the same, but the price will be 12 Euros. Still not an exaggeration when you consider that brunches in Milan can cost from 16 Euros up.
And you can blame me for the sausages. Check them out, I don’t think you will regret it.
Be there, or be hungry!
Here’s to the 442 and extended British Breakfast euphoria!
Sausage Production to Commence!
Yes, that’s right. The sausage mix arrived from the UK yesterday and next Wednesday I have an appointment with the butchers to start making those English style bangers in Milan.
This means that a sausage tasting will be held at the 442 on Wednesday or Thursday evening. And once the best blend has been identified, full scale sausage production for the 442 will start, and the 442 can begin to offer its full English Breakfast weekend menus.
In addition, I hope, sausages will become a regular feature on the 442’s weekly menu, perhaps accompanied by the traditional chips and beans. Thus turning the 442 into a real haven for ex-pats in search of good sausages in Italy.
In addition to British banger fans, I’ve also met a number of Italians who prefer the British style banger to the traditional Italian sausage. So there is some hope for my aim of spreading English style sausages throughout Italy.
Updates to the continuing sausage saga will be coming soon!
-
Subscribe
News from Ansa-
September 8, 2008
- Fish oil helps reduce heart failure September 8, 2008Four-year-long Italian study published by Lancet
- Soccer: Revamped Italy for Georgia September 8, 2008Defensive shake-up but Lippi sticking to three-man attack
- Alitalia crews reject terms September 8, 2008Contract offer "unacceptable" say pilots, flight attendants
-
September 8, 2008
-
The 442
-
